Sink strip assembly



Nov. 4, 1958 H. K. swlTzER 2,858,548

smx STRIP ASSEMBLY Filed April 5, 1957 24 W 1 flrroeueys.

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SINK STRIP ASSEMBLY Harold K. Switzcr, Alexandria, Ky.

Application April 5, 1957, Serial No. 651,088

10 Claims. (Cl. 4-187) This invention relates generally to sink strip assemblies of the type conventionally used to cover and conceal the otherwise existing space between a sink and a drainboard. It is particularly concerned with improved elements and an improved arrangement of the elements for accomplishing the desired result. The invention is a modification of and, in some respects, an improvement over that disclosed in my copending application Serial No. 600,742, filed July 30, 1956.

In my aforesaid copending application there is disclosed a means and method for mounting a protective and decorative strip between a sink and a drainboard. While the present invention contemplates the use of the same general method as that previously disclosed, this application is directed to certain modifications or improvements in structure of the elements used to effect the assembly and to a degree is directed also to an improved arrangement of the structural elements.

The embodiment disclosed in my copending application contemplates the use of a T-shaped sink trim strip of the generally conventional type in which the arms of the T extend across the opening to be concealed. A lug, which, as there shown, is of generally U-shaped configuration, has one arm adapted to engage the underside of the sink and the other arm adapted to engage the underside of the drainboard. Utilizing an assembly tool, the depending edge of the T-shaped strip is swaged into a horizontally extending bore in that arm of the lug which engages the sink thereby effecting a secure locking engagement directly between the sink strip and the lug and indirectly between the sink strip, lug, sink and drainboard.

The invention to which the present application is directed contemplates the use of a sink trim strip which, although of generally T-shaped configuration, has a portion of the vertical leg of the T ofiset to provide additional space for the entrance of the tool head and to provide an easier and more secure engagement when the depending end of the vertical arm is swaged into a lug slot. The present invention contemplates also the use of a lug of somewhat different and improved construction over that shown in my copending application in that it lends itself to cheaper fabrication by extrusion methods and to handier use of the attaching tool. Certain other of the improvements which will be described tend to rigidify the assembly and to provide an even tighter and i 'more compact unit than the one previously disclosed.

Other and further objects and advantages will be apparent from the more detailed description of the invention when considered inconjunction with the drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a conventional sink drainboard and sink strip assembly of the type to which the invention relates.

Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 22 in Figure 1 illustrating the details of construction of a preferred form of the invention in assembled and secured position.

" nited States Patent ice Figure 3 is a perspective view of a lug of one of the preferred forms contemplated by the invention.

Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view taken on the line 44 in Figure 2 illustrating the relationship between the sink, the sink trim strip and the lug.

Figure 5 is a perspective view of a portion of the sink trim strip illustrating particularly the preferred configuration of the vertical leg.

Figure 6 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view similar to Figure 2 with an arrow indicating the point of contact and the direction of the swaging force applied by the attaching tool.

Figure 7 is a perspective view of a lug constituting a modified form of the invention.

Figure 8 is a sectional view similar to Figure 2 illustrating the use of the modified form of lug shown in Figure 7.

As illustrated in Figure l, a flat flange type of sink 10 is disposed in a drainboard 11 with a sink trim strip 12 interposed between the sink and the drainboard. This type of sink is conventionally formed from stainless steel or from porcelain enamel coated on either steel or on cast iron. The sink trim strip is generally formed of either stainless steel or aluminum extruded and rolled into the desired configuration. The drainboard is conventionally formed of plywood having some protective upper surface.

The details of construction and arrangement of the elements which comprise a preferred form of the invention are best illustrated in Figure 2 in which the generally T-shaped sink trim strip 12 is shown as having a vertical leg 13 depending downwardly in the opening between the sink and the drainboard and a horizontal cap 14 extending across the opening. In accordance with conventional practice, the horizontal cap is formed by bending the strip as at 15 and 16. In accordance with the present invention, additional bends are made in the vertical leg 13 as at 17 and 18 (see Figure 5 These bends provide a configuration which in the assembled unit provides an offset in the lower section of the vertical leg and brings it closer to the vertical leg of the lug thereby facilitating engagement between the two elements. Additionally, by bending the vertical leg of the T-strip away from the drainboard and toward the sink a more convenient opening is provided for the entrance of the head of the attaching tool.

The lug, which is designated generally as 19, is here shown as of generally L-shaped configuration when viewed from the side. It comprises the elements of the vertical leg 20 and the horizontal leg 21. The vertical leg is preferably bent as at 22 and 23 to provide an offset. A slot 24 is formed in the lug at the point of juncture between the vertical leg and horizontal leg. The slot therefore includes a portion 25 cut from the vertical' leg adapted to receive the swaged end of the sink strip and a portion 26 cut from the horizontal leg to permit the entrance of the swaging head of the attaching tool. The upper lip portion of the vertical leg, designated 27, may have a weakening line formed at its lower edge as at 28 so that in the event the leg is utilized in conjunction with a cast iron sink, which generally has flanges of greater thickness, the lip portion 27 may be broken off to accommodate the lug to the greater thickness of the sink. The horizontal leg 21 of the lug may have an upturned portion 2? at its extended edge which presents an engaging surface for contacting and entering slightly the underside of the drainboard (see Figure 2).

In the modification of the invention illustrated in Figure 7, a pair of vertically extending abutments 30-30 are shown straddling the slot portion 26 and adjacent to, but spaced slightly from the vertical leg to provide a groove 31. A nail hole 32 may also be formed more a or less centrally in the horizontal leg. The purpose of the abutments 30 is best illustrated in Figure 8. As there shown, a portion of the depending vertical end of the sink strip becomes positioned in the groove 31 be tween the abutments and the vertical leg at the time the attaching operation is being performed, thereby providing an additional securance against movement of the secured strip in a transverse direction. Since the invention contemplates the positioning of lugs on all four sides of the sink, those on one side prevent transverse movement of those on the other and vice versa.

In describing the assembly of the component elements to attain the relationship illustrated in Figure 2, it should be understood that in most instances assemblies of this type are effected in the shop of the fabricator and then transported to the place of installation. However, in

' many cases the elements are brought to the place of installation separately and assembled there. ent construction is adapted to both methods.

Assuming that the Work is done in the shop of the fabricator, the sink, drainboard and sink strip are placed together in juxtaposition to each other with the drainboard, sink strip and lug in the relative positions illustrated generally in Figure 4. Usually, however, the parts are assembled upside down for convenience so that the sink opening is downwardly as on the floor. Generally speaking, two lugs for each corner of the strip are sufficient, although more or less can be used if desired. When the various elements have been positioned as indicated, the fabricator inserts the swaging head of the attaching tool through the portion 26 of the slot 24. Preferably this tool is so constructed as to enable it to apply force to the right hand side of the depending edge of the T-shaped strip 12 as indicated by the arrow in Figure 6 thereby crimping or swaging this extended end into the slot portion 25 and into engagement with the upper and side edges of this slot portion as indicated particularly in Figures 2 and 4. As this operation is being performed the tool likewise forces the lug against the un-dersides of the drainboard and the sink flange while the trim strip is pulled simultaneously downwardly to tighten the horizontal portion of the strip against the upper surfaces of the drainboard and the sink flange respectively (as indicated by the arrows in Figure 4).

While the construction of the particular tool forms no part of the present invention, it has in general a pair of jaws to grip the vertical leg of the trim strip at the two sides of the lug, a surface to contact the underside of the lug and, in addition, a punch or swaging element which is designed to engage the extended end of the trim strip and to force it in the direction of the arrow as shown in Figure 6.

At the conclusion of the operation and as illustrated particularly in Figure 2, the lug has performed the function of interlocking the sink, the drainboard and the sink strip by the engagement between the offset portion of the extended end of the vertical leg 13 of the T-shaped strip and the edge of the slot portion 25. The upper edge section or lip 27 of the lug has been forced tightly against the underside of the sink and the upturned portion 29 of the horizontal leg 21 has been compressed against the underside of the drainboard.

The assembly, which includes the modified form of lug construction shown in Figures 7 and 8, is generally identical with that just described. As previously mentioned, in the modified form an engagement is effected between a portion of the end of the vertical leg of the T strip and the abutments 30. Among other advantages, this engagement dispenses with the necessity of providing any type of secure engagement between the edge 29 and the underside of the drainboard. However, since the horizontal leg of the lug shown in Figure 7 is generally flat, if desired, a nail 33 may be inserted through the nail hole 32 and driven into the underside of the drainboard.

The pres- 4 This makes the assembly even more secure, but it is not required.

Where the sink strip is to be installed in an existing drainboard the operation is very similar except that the position of the elements is reversed. The sink, drainboard and sink strip are first assembled together with the sink in supported position. Individual lugs are then fitted sequentially on the head of the tool which is configurated to perform this function. The fabricator then moves the tool to spaced positions around the vertical leg of the sink strip and operates it to lock the lugs in position in the manner described.

Some of the particular advantages of the assembly are the low cost of the 'lugs and the rapidity of the installation operation. Since there are no adjustable attachment elements in the entire assembly, there is no necessity for tapping screw or bolt holes. Particularly where the assembly is performed in the fabricators shop it may be accomplished with great rapidity and ease. The installation on the job is somewhat slower, but is still much quicker and easier than similar assemblies of other types of units.

Having fully described my invention I claim:

1. Means for mounting a flat flange type sink in an opening in a drainboard comprising a frame of generally T-shaped cross section having a horizontal cap overlying the edges of the sink and drainboard and a vertical leg depending into the opening between the sink and drainboard, said vertical leg being bent laterally towards the sink and downwardly to provide an offset portion, a plurality of lugs disposed at spaced points around the opening in the drainboard, said lugs being of generally L-shaped cross section with the upper edges of the vertical legs contacting the underside of the sink and the upper surfaces of the horizontal legs contacting the underside of the drainboard, each of said lugs having a continuous slot formed in a portion of its vertical leg and an adjacent portion of its horizontal leg, the offset portion of the vertical leg of the frame being forcibly bent into locking engagement with edges of the slots in the vertical legs of the lugs.

2. Means for mounting a flat flange type sink in an opening in a drainboard comprising a frame of generally T-shaped cross section having a horizontal cap overlying the edges of the sink and drainboard and a vertical leg depending into the opening between the sink and drainboard, said vertical leg being bent laterally towards the sink and downwardly to provide an offset portion, a plurality of lugs disposed at spaced points around the opening in the drainboard said lugs being disposed to span the opening beneath the frame and having respective ends in contact with the underside of the drainboard and the underside of the sink frame, the intermediate portion of each lug having a slot formed therein, the offset portion of the vertical leg of the frame being forcibly bent into said slot and into locking engagement with the edges thereof.

3. Means for mounting a flat flange type sink in an opening in a drainboard comprising a frame of generally T-shaped cross section having a horizontal cap overlying the edges of the sink and the drainboard and a vertical leg depending into the opening between the sink and the drainboard, a plurality of lugs disposed at spaced points around the opening in the drainboard, said lugs being of generally L-shaped cross section with the upper edges of the vertical sections contacting the underside of the sink and the upper surfaces of the horizontal sections contacting the underside of the drainboard, each of said lugs having a continuous slot formed in a portion of its vertical leg and an adjacent portion of its horizontal leg, the depending edge of the vertical leg of the frame being swaged into locking engagement with the edges of the slots in the vertical legs of each of the lugs.

4. In combination with a flat flange type sink disposed in an opening a drainboard and a frame of generally T-shaped crosssection having its vertical leg disposed between the edge of the drainboard and the edge of the sink and its upper portion overlying said edges, a lug of generally L-shaped cross section spanning the depending edge of the vertical leg of the T-shaped strip, the upper edge of the vertical leg of the lug contacting the underside of the sink and the upper surface of the horizontal leg contacting the underside of the drainboard, said lug having a continuous slot formed in a portion of its vertical leg and an adjacent portion of its horizontal leg, the lower edge of the vertical leg of the frame being forcibly bent into engagement with the edges of the slot in the vertical leg of the lug.

5. In combination with a sink disposed in an opening in a drainboard and a frame of generally T-shaped cross section havingits cross bar overlying the edge of the drainboard and the edge of the sink and a vertical leg depending between said edges, the lower portion of said vertical leg being bent laterally towards the sink and downwardly to provide an ofiset portion, a lug spanning the opening beneath the frame and having one end thereof in contact with the underside of the drainboard and the opposite end in contact with the underside of the sink, the intermediate portion of the lug being configurated to provide a slot generally adjacent to the offset portion of the frame, said offset portion being swaged into locking engagement with the edges of the slot.

6. A lug for mounting a T-shaped strip between a sink and a drainboard, said lug being of generally L-shaped configuration in cross section and having a continuous slot formed in a portion of its vertical leg and an adjacent portion of its horizontal leg said vertical leg having a portion of its upper edge offset outwardly in a direction away from the said horizontal leg.

7. A lug for mounting a T-shaped strip between a sink and a drainboard said lug being of generally L-shaped configuration in cross section and having a slot formed centrally in its vertical leg adjacent the point where said vertical leg contacts the horizontal leg.

8. Means for mounting a flange type sink in an opening in a drainboard comprising a frame of generally T- shaped cross section having a horizontal cap overlying the edges of the sink and drainboard and a vertical leg depending into the opening between the sink and the drainboard, a plurality of lugs disposed at spaced points around the opening in the drainboard, said lugs being of generally L-shaped cross section with the upper edges of the vertical sections contacting the underside of the sink and the upper surfaces of horizontal sections contacting the underside of the drainboard, each. of said lugs having a continuous slot formed in a portion of its vertical leg and an adjacent portion of its horizontal leg, upstanding projections on said horizontal leg, one on each side of said slot, said projections being spaced slightly from the vertical leg, the depending edge of the vertical leg of the frame being swaged into locking engagement with the edges of the slots in the vertical legs of the lugs and having a portion thereof engaged between the upstanding projections and the vertical legs of the lugs.

9. A lug for mounting a T-shaped strip between a sink and a drainboard, said lug being of generally L-shaped configuration in cross section and having a slot formed in its vertical end and an adjacent portion of its horizontal leg, upstanding projections on said horizontal leg one on each side of the slot, said projections being spaced slightly from the vertical leg.

10. In combination with a flat flange type sink positioned in an opening in a drainboard and a series of fastening lugs disposed at spaced points around the opening on the underside thereof, said lugs being disposed to span said opening and having one end thereof in contact with the underside of the drainboard and the opposite end in contact with the underside of the sink frame and having a slot formed in the intermediate portion thereof, a frame of generally T-shaped cross section having a horizontal leg overlying the edges of the sink and drainboard and a vertical leg depending into the opening between the sink and drainboard, said vertical leg being bent laterally towards the sink and downwardly to provide an offset portion, said offset portion being lockingly engaged with the edges of the slots in the vertical legs of the lugs.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,335,555 Willson Nov. 30, 1943 2,717,39'7- Ross Sept. 13, 1955 2,727,248 Switzer Dec. 20, 1955 FOREIGN PATENTS 109,198 Sweden Nov. 30, 1943 

